The act of prayer teaches us our unworthiness, which is a very salutary lesson for such proud beings as we are. If God gave us favors without constraining us to pray for them we should never know how poor we are, but a true prayer is an inventory of wants, a catalogue of necessities, a revelation of hidden poverty. While it is an application to divine wealth, it is a confession of human emptiness. The most healthy state of a Christian is to be always empty in self and constantly depending upon the Lord for supplies; to be always poor in self and rich in Jesus; weak as water personally, but mighty through God to do great exploits; and hence the use of prayer, because, while it adores God, it lays the creature where it should be, in the very dust. Prayer is in itself, apart from the answer which it brings, a great benefit to the Christian. As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer. Prayer plumes the wings of God's young eaglets, that they may learn to mount above the clouds. Prayer girds the loins of God's warriors, and sends them forth to combat with their sinews braced and their muscles firm. An earnest pleader cometh out of his closet, even as the sun ariseth from the chambers of the east, rejoicing like a strong man to run his race. Prayer is that uplifted hand of Moses which routs the Amalekites more than the sword of Joshua; it is the arrow shot from the chamber of the prophet foreboding defeat to the Syrians. Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer cannot do! We thank thee, great God, for the mercy-seat, a choice proof of thy marvelous loving kindness. Help us to use it aright throughout this day!
“Heartlight” - Oct 11/07
1 In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. 3. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.
Ephesians 2:1-3
Prayer
Dear Father, King of the Ages,
Thank you for the new life you have infused into my being. I once
was dead because of the misdeeds and sins in which I walked,
following the course of this world, following the
commander-in-chief of evil, the spirit that now energizes all who
disobey.
Among these lost people - and as a lost person - I once lived in
the passions of my flesh. I followed the desires of my body and the
passing whims of my mind. I was by nature a doer of evil doomed to
destruction, like the rest of mankind.
But you were rich in mercy! Because of your great love with which
you loved me - even when I was dead through my misdeeds - you made
me alive together with Christ! It is by your undeserved kindness
that I am saved!
In the name of Jesus and by his authority I boldly ask you to make
of us the completely holy people that you intend as your
inheritance. Amen
“Heartlight” - Oct 13/07
